I Didn't Cry

It is pretty pathetic when you measure how well you are doing by the "cry barometer".  I remember a time when just a mild mishap would send me to the "wailing wall of tears".  

Some-days,
that still happens.

But, Valentine's Day, I was hit by another car.  I'm okay, but I was so shook up, because of Joe being killed in a car accident.  Just makes my mind and thoughts go to places that are dark and dreary...

Anyway,
I was trembling.
My hands shook.
I stayed put until I composed myself.
Didn't look at the damages on the Beamer until I was in control.

After filling out the accident report and speaking with the UHP, I drove out of the parking lot, and thought to myself:
"Well, I handled that pretty good, and I didn't cry."

I
DID
NOT
CRY!!!

Wow.

Widowhood, grief, and all everything has made me stronger . . well, today anyway if you measure it by the "cry barometer".

Eight years ago today

...Joe and I drove up the canyon to the birth of our first grand baby.

Happy Birthday Mr. Trekker.
I love you.

I need to remember this every day

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is.  It all works out.  Don't worry.  I say that to myself every morning.  It will all work out.  If you do your best, it will all work out.  Put your trust in God and move forward with faith and confidence in the future.  The Lord will not forsake us,... if we put our trust in Him, if we pray to Him, if we live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers."
--Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th President, Served:  1995-2008.  

Purses (part 2)

I have learned there are a few necessities to have in your purse:
Wallet--for $$ and cards
Small bag or large pocket--for medicine & makeup
Pocket for camera
Pocket for Cell phone
Breath mints or gum
Tide Pen
Tissues
Comb

When my closet became over-run with bags, purses and shoes I made a rule. New one in, old one out. So, if I get a new purse I have to get rid of an old one--seriously I only carry one at a time!

This has also forced me to narrow down my purchases to necessities rather than wants! Works for shoes too! If I see a cute pair of shoes and I don't need them, I think oh no which pair will I get rid of?

What MUST you have in your purse?

Purses (part 1)

I am very picky about my purse, and I've gotten worse as I have gotten older!

I have tried the suitcase/carry-on-bag/luggage purse. I realized I will fill it until it is full and my back is broke! The big bag does NOT work for me!

I have tried the trendy/fashionable but unreasonable purse.  It doesn't usually meet my needs, see below.

I loved the "backpack" purse and still have most of mine. They have plenty of pockets, compartments, and if it gets too heavy you can carry it on your back!

In high school, many moons ago, I tried the "clutch" (no handles). It did NOT work; because of my ADD I ended up setting it down and leaving it everywhere! Not good.  Must have handle.

I tried the "what-the-heck" purse.  It is in the shape of a triangle, the top/opening is smaller than the wider bottom.  How the heck do you see what's in the bottom--that's where what you're looking for is at!

I tried just the "wallet" as a purse.  This only works if you only need money, cards, and coin.  Doesn't work if you need a comb, lipstick, or cell phone.  Eventually, you find yourself carrying your cell phone, "wallet" purse, and  keys.  What good is that, when you need a cart for all the things that won't fit in your "wallet'!

I tried the "micro" purse. I stuck with this one until recently and it worked really well until I got my IPad...time for a new purse that the IPad will fit in!

I did the "diaper bag" purse when my children were little. In other-words, diaper bag and purse combo. This becomes a problem when the diaper bag & child were separated from mommy!

A Good Purse:
Has to have the "correct" length handle (short enough to carry without dragging, and yet long enough to hang AND STAY on my shoulder.

Has to have an outside pocket for easy access to my cell phone, so I can find it while it is still ringing. I also need a separate pocket for my camera.

Has to  zipper so everything doesn't dump out when it gets tipped upside down as your driving down the highway.

A purse must also go from formal to church to grocery shopping to lunch dates. It MUST transition from one occasion to another!

Lastly, I like an odd color. When I was younger I learned your purse should match your shoes. After years of chaining out purses I quit the fight and decided if I get an odd color, it would match brown AND black shoes!

Happy Valentine's Day

While Joe was alive, Valentine's Day wasn't a big day.

Most of the time we would go to the store, read the cards, and he'd say, "This one is the one I'd get for you."  I would read the card, thank him for "his" thoughts, kiss him and we would place it back on the display and leave the store without spending the $2 or $3 for a card.  It was the thought that counts and who wants to pay for a thought?  It was  joke between us.

It was all good! 
We were in love all year long, Valentine's Day was just a hyped up commercial day.
The real Valentine's Day was the day he'd show up from work and surprise me with a Coke and Snickers.  Or flowers, just because.  Joe did many sweet things throughout the year, we didn't need a "Valentine's Day!"

That was it!

However, now that he is deceased and there is a big hole in my heart, the day of LOVE really annoys me!

Happy Valentine's Day!
I'm going to spend it with my sweet Valentines--my grandchildren!  (If their Daddy asks out his Valentine!)

Family Tree

For Christmas my oldest daughter gave me a tree and little note that says:

Here is a simple tree to place upon your wall.

Please place around the pictures of your family.

The ones you hold dear.

This simple tree will then become,

An extraordinarily unique one.

For this simple tree will then

Represent you and your family tree.

Here's where it hangs in my stairwell with my family pictures.